Somewhat different run-flat question...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
Somewhat different run-flat question...
I have decided to go non-run-flat when I replace my tires -- definitely Michelins -- but have a question:
Because of poor camber from factory, I had to replace the front tires long before I replaced the rear. Since then I only replace two at a time.
Can I run non-RFs on the back while running RFs on the front?
Thanks
Frank
Because of poor camber from factory, I had to replace the front tires long before I replaced the rear. Since then I only replace two at a time.
Can I run non-RFs on the back while running RFs on the front?
Thanks
Frank
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
The go pedal and engine braking (if you have a manual tranny) accelerate rear tire wear. Many motorcycles experience the same phenomenon. For normal street driving, you shouldn't have any issues mixing run flats with non run flats. You'll like the non run-flat tires though. Pick up a small compressor and possibly a plug kit to carry in the trunk.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
Thanks, 8VETTE7 and 3sACROWD 
It wasn't the back tires that wore out first -- just the fronts from bad camber from factory. I just happen to be in the cycle where I've already replaced the fronts with run-flats and have now been thinking about non-RFs for the rear as I go forward. When the fronts get replaced I'll go with non-RFs for them also.
Thanks again...
It wasn't the back tires that wore out first -- just the fronts from bad camber from factory. I just happen to be in the cycle where I've already replaced the fronts with run-flats and have now been thinking about non-RFs for the rear as I go forward. When the fronts get replaced I'll go with non-RFs for them also.
Thanks again...
Last edited by decarmine; Apr 14, 2014 at 06:12 PM. Reason: clarity
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
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To add input to your question though, I cant see it being an issue as long as they are the same or very close speed/load rating.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
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From: Lecanto FL
I insist on correcting this tidbit: If the vehicle is aligned to factory specs, its not poor camber - its performance camber. Coupled with the fact that you can not rotate OEM tires. That's why they tend to wear unevenly when alignment is within spec.
To add input to your question though, I cant see it being an issue as long as they are the same or very close speed/load rating.
To add input to your question though, I cant see it being an issue as long as they are the same or very close speed/load rating.
I don't remember whether the car was within factory specs when new but one front tire had worn so badly on the inside edge that at 17K miles the steel belts were not only visible but the metal strands had actually BROKEN and had sprung apart, sticking up like little steel pins. I bought two new tires at that time and had front camber set VERY CLOSE to zero. We've had no trouble with UNEVEN tire wear since then.
The front tires were replaced at 17K miles and again around 40 or 42K. The rears were replaced at just under 30K and now at 55K are nearing end of life. Hence my original query...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
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Definitely not! I think it's a horrible idea. The handling dynamics of the car will be seriously compromised. You may not notice anything significant during normal drives until something happens where you need to perform a drastic maneuvre such as; to avoid debris on the road, a pothole, or an accident up ahead. It's in these instances that you will discover the detrimental effect of mixing different types of tires.
IMHO, your wheels and tires are the most critical safety components of your car. They are all that connect you to the road surface and keep you, your passenger and people sharing the road with you safe. Compromising on any one of those items can turn out to be a mistake you may regret. Just my two cents.
IMHO, your wheels and tires are the most critical safety components of your car. They are all that connect you to the road surface and keep you, your passenger and people sharing the road with you safe. Compromising on any one of those items can turn out to be a mistake you may regret. Just my two cents.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
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From: Knoxville Tn
Whatever you do, get a 4 wheel alignment when you get the tires replaced. The fronts wearing out before the rears is very unusual. You've got a problem in the front, find it and fix it.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
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From: Lecanto FL
Had camber reset as close to nominal (-.20*) as possible (both front wheels) -- as part of 4-wheel alignment. Car is NOT Z06 but I believe camber from factory was more appropriate for Z06 specs.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
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From: Lecanto FL
Not that I ever expected tires to be cheap on this car, however.
But I keep hearing the ride improves dramatically once the RFs are gone.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
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From: Lecanto FL
Update
Update: I just found the alignment results from 2008:
Before:
Left front camber: -0.8
Right front camber: -0.8
After:
Left front camber: -0.2
Right front camber: -0.1
As stated previously, after alignment front wear issue went away.
Thanks to all for reading and responding to my query
Before:
Left front camber: -0.8
Right front camber: -0.8
After:
Left front camber: -0.2
Right front camber: -0.1
As stated previously, after alignment front wear issue went away.
Thanks to all for reading and responding to my query
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Lecanto FL
FINAL update
After much soul-searching, I decided to replace all 4 tires. Rears were about 95% worn, fronts were 75%
Got Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires -- read good things about them in another thread on this forum.
Got standard sizes (NOT Z06 sizes) from local vendor in Beverly Hills, Florida for under $1040. Also will get $70 gift card from Michelin.
Thanks to all who read and responded.
Frank
Got Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires -- read good things about them in another thread on this forum.
Got standard sizes (NOT Z06 sizes) from local vendor in Beverly Hills, Florida for under $1040. Also will get $70 gift card from Michelin.
Thanks to all who read and responded.
Frank
Last edited by decarmine; Apr 16, 2014 at 10:29 AM. Reason: Added gift card info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
Don't forget to get a tire inflator if you don't already have one.
In the last 400,000 miles I've driven (multiple vehicles), I've had 3 flats and none of them were blow outs. I was able to fill the tire and keep driving to a tire repair place. One tire had a pallet staple through the side wall. Since I knew it wasn't repairable and it was a Vette tire which isn't on the shelf, I drove 100 miles to my house. Had to make two stops along the way to pump up the tire but had no other issues. (I didn't let the pressure go below 20psi.)
In the last 400,000 miles I've driven (multiple vehicles), I've had 3 flats and none of them were blow outs. I was able to fill the tire and keep driving to a tire repair place. One tire had a pallet staple through the side wall. Since I knew it wasn't repairable and it was a Vette tire which isn't on the shelf, I drove 100 miles to my house. Had to make two stops along the way to pump up the tire but had no other issues. (I didn't let the pressure go below 20psi.)